10 things you should do on a girl trip...
1. Shop
2. Talk
3. Eat cupcakes in bed
4. try on lots of clothes
5. Eat new things
6. Wear cute things
7. Take public transportation
8. drink coffee
9. eat cupcakes again
10. cry at least once.
So throughout the next week or so I am going to share my amazing trip to San Francisco.
I cannot tell you what a great time I had. I will just have to show you- so you can experience it yourself!
Let me give you a little history. I am a frugal, somewhat what's the word "conservative" girl. I used to be adventurous and crazy, but I married a big risk-taker so I became a little more moderate to balance us out. Jessie (seen eating a cupcake above) turned 30 this year and wanted to do something special about it. When she asked if I wanted to go, I immediately thought- "no way, I can't just do that... I have a 9 month old baby"... blablabla... But then, I had a heart change, and I just decided why not? So we purchased our tickets (of course I waited to the last minute with my indecisiveness and almost missed out) and wooshed away.
And now, with no regrets, I'm ready to do it again!
We had the best time. Because of the time change we got up really early every day, and I scored an amazing hotel in the middle of the action with a Starbucks in the lobby (sometimes being conservative helps in finding deals...) So we drank coffee, ate treats, shopped, went hiking, shopped again, ate amazing food, scouted for donuts, talked, made plans to change the world, walked everywhere (in uncomfortable boots with holes in the bottom) and relished in the girly-ness of feminine friendship. I don't care what anyone says- there's nothing better than a good girlfriend.
We packed so much in this trip, I can't wait to show you!
Where do you want to go?
And if there's any of you feeling a little lonely like, I don't really have friends like that etc... I can tell you I sat in my house on my computer for 5 days without going outside recently. It's easy to get sucked into being a loner- especially with the internet. But there are people- just like you- everywhere- feeling just like you- looking for a friend- just like you. It just takes getting a little boldness, and not letting a little rejection deter you.
Interview with author, Stephen Roach. If you missed Part One, scroll down to yesterday to see the music portion of this interview.
Long ago when I was part of a small community of artists and dreamers I heard Stephen talk about writing this book. As many of you know, creative people have a lot of ideas, but unfortunately many times don't do anything with them. (I am one of these) Years later, living in a different city with a different life I came across the release of this book and my heart sparked as I remembered those days of talking dreams. I was so inspired to see this book release and to see someone make an idea a tangible reality. And I was even more excited he would talk to me about it!
So thanks Stephen for doing this interview... May he inspire YOU to DO.
What are some of your favorite things in life?
God, my wife & my daughter and a fresh bottle of Sriracha Hot sauce (also known as the rooster sauce.) Any combination of those things make for a good day.
I also add a little Sriracha to everything!
Tell us about the journey of writing this book. How did it go from a thought to something you actually pursued?
The story actually pursued me. I couldn’t get away from it.
What’s this book about?
The story is about this kid named Satchel Willoughby. He’s lost something called Wink Zangley Doo. He can’t sleep at night until he finds this Zangley Doo. He meets an Old Blind Man who tells him there’s a place where all lost things go. So he sets out on the adventure to find this place ultimately in hopes to find his Wink Zangley Doo.
What inspired you to write this story?
I think the primary inspiration for the story was a desire to create a platform for humor and childlikeness to converse with the more deep, mystical elements of my creative works. Usually I can tend to wax serious in music and poetry and this time I wanted to do something fun.
How would you encourage others to live their creative dreams?
Commit to go the distance. Take initiative. Don’t trust in what’s already been done or play it safe. Step out even if it looks like you are stepping off a cliff. You can’t learn to fly any other way. Also, I would say to stay true to who you’ve been created to be. Don’t get overly affected by the praise or the rejection of opinion. Persistence, confidence and a good healthy dose of tenacity will do any artist good.
I needed this advice today.
How did you practically follow this dream into action?
I just continued to write on it until I finally felt it was coming to a close (eight years later). At that point, I began to seek out an illustrator and as providence has it, I met Vesper Stamper at the right time in the right place. She loved the story and I loved her interpretations of the characters so we began the process.
I had to do some fundraising through Indiegogo.com and raised nearly $5000.00 from facebook contributions and a few public speaking engagements alone. I was pretty blown away at the support I received to do this.
How did you find a publisher?
Currently, the book is still independent though I’ve conversed with several publishers. Surprisingly enough they sought me out having heard of the book.
What is it like fulfilling this dream?
For me it is a great accomplishment just to see an idea grow from a seed to become something you can hold in your hands. It’s a real touchstone that reminds me not to quit no matter how long it takes for something to come to pass.
The blossoming of one dream challenges you to think bigger next time. Next, I want to see Pixar or someone like that pick up the story to make a film of it.
What does your daughter think of the book?
I’ve read it to her several times before bed. Even at two, she’s begun to connect with the characters and even recite parts of the story back to me. I think she loves it. She’ll probably help me write the next one.
Where can we order this book and keep up with all your artistic ventures?
What do you want to do next?
I am currently working on a young adult fiction version of the Lost Things story. I am also collecting and editing a new book of poems. Musically, I am preparing to do an EP in March of several new lyrical songs I’ve written.
Does your art support any causes?
We just recently partnered with “Restoring Eden” to help end mountaintop removal.
In 2008, we contributed a song and performed for “Zao Water” (now called Hydrating Humanity) to help provide clean drinking water in various regions in Africa.
We also have partnered with “The Transformation Initiative” who also work in Africa bringing hygiene training and help in Kenya.
Here is a look behind the scenes of writing this book! Go order it, read it to your children, and ponder your own dream you want to pursue...
or that has been pursuing you...
I have been working for a while now gathering interviews for my new series of "Inspiring People". What better way to inspire you, than let people share their stories and creative endeavors with you! I'm pretty excited about this.
Today's inspiring person is a multi-faceted creative man. I thought he'd be perfect to feature because, well, he's inspiring!
Stephen Roach is a musician, poet, artist and now children's book author! I thought about featuring him because of his new book coming out, but then I started thinking I'd like him to share a little about his music first...
When I say he's a musician, that's an understatement. I can honestly say even in my musical circuit days, I have never seen someone play instruments like Stephen. I didn't even know it was possible to play hand drums like he can!
I used to sit in my apartment in college, lock my door, put on Songs of Water (first album), and spin around my house like crazy.
In fact, in honor of this post, I shall spin like crazy again listening to my newly downloaded version of "The Sea Has Spoken."
So today we talk music... tomorrow we will talk books. Stay tuned and enjoy!
How would you describe your music?
Sometimes it’s harder to define your own art because you are so intimately involved with it. You can’t always see it clearly because you are so close to it. Others have used terms like “organic” or “world-folk” to describe it. One such phrase I’m highly fond of came from a radio dj at WNCW. He coined the phrase, “exotic pawn shop music”. Somehow that one seems to stick.
I think many artists are hesitant to define their work too strictly because any living art is continually evolving. The one constant is that it is always changing. It’s a work never quite complete.
Thus far, I’ve been prone to use primarily acoustic instrumentation, often in hyper rhythmical settings, borrowing elements from cultures across the world.
What is it like when you’re playing music? What are you thinking or feeling?
Usually I’m thinking, Oh crap. Don’t screw up. Why did I write this rhythm is 15/8? Ha! On a good day, the live musical experience is a launching pad where the mundane recedes and we are enabled to drift past the boundaries of our everyday experience. It can be a very spiritual or transcendent encounter for the musician and the audience.
What is music to you?
Music to me is both a vehicle and a language. In the right context, it can serve to take the listener on a journey to whatever place the music inspires. Music, with or without words speaks. It communicates the heart intent of the musician. Often thoughts or feelings that I can find no other way to express, find their release through the music I write. On a grander scale, music is a conduit of truth and beauty even for the grotesque or less appealing qualities of human experience. Music is like a magnifying glass that takes a grain of sand of exploits it so it can be better apprehended.
Do you have any goals for your music?
I would certainly love to see the sounds I’ve explored cause a chain reaction in other artists and musicians to continue to push the envelope of what can be done. Practically speaking, I think we all want to sustain our lives and pay the bills from the art we create. I think in the future you’ll see the music of Songs of Water used in film.
You can find the music here.... go get your copy today.
Stay tuned, tomorrow we talk book-writing!
So I've been in San Francisco with three girlfriends and I have had the best 4 days! Even though it rained most of the time we were there, it didn't stop us from having a good time and going everywhere.
(wet hair, wet socks included)
Being with cute girls, eating cupcakes, walking everywhere, talking, eating late dinners, going to markets and shopping... I'm ready to start planning trip number two!
I realized everyone needs a break from the humdrum of normal routine and activity every now and then. Four days was the perfect amount of time! But I was ready to see my babies as soon as the airplane landed.
If you have the travel bug, I can give you some ideas on how to start saving for a trip! And if you don't have a travel bug, the next week or so I will show you some amazing pictures that will make you want to get out of town and experience something new!
Here's how the trip got started.
And if you think I'm a list-maker, then you should know that I take packing for trips really seriously too... unlike my husband who throws things in a bag the morning of... :)
What's in my travel bag...
These were taken at a tiny little breakfast place in Union Square. Visitors pinned the map to show where they were from.
There is such a pleasant solitude on airplanes, especially when you're traveling solo. Other than the normal things to do on planes, I like to have the perfect notebook and pen to reflect on paper what I'm thinking. Being up high in the clouds, seeing the tiny houses and specks of people moving below puts life into perspective a little clearer. Even though traveling can be exhausting, I always look forward to the first plane ride with my fresh thoughts ready to journal.
Jessie had a window seat, I love her shot of the world down below!
Make a list: Things to take on an airplane.
notebook & 2 good pens.
1 book or magazine
hand sanitizer
wet-wipes
jacket or sweatshirt
gum
snacks
little freshen up kit: toothpaste, toothbrush, facewash
eye mask
a good friend
Things you should always have on you while traveling.
sunglasses
appropriate weather accessories: hats, gloves, scarves
wet-wipes
money
hand sanitizer!!!!
(must have for public transport)
snacks
jacket or extra shirt
extra socks
chap-stick
Cause I'm in California right now!
Images Collected From:
Cool Suitcases!!! I love this J. Crew bag.
And I love this one...
Vintage
Boombox Suitcase... good for traveling musicians!
images collected from:
http://www.kmldesign.dk/greengate/
http://www.kmldesign.dk/greengate/
http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/category/art-design/
jcrew
Today I am waking up at 4:30 AM to catch a flight to San Fran... who's idea was it to book such an early flight?
(I am NOT a morning person)
Probably while your reading this I will be sipping my complimentary ginger-ale over ice and playing on my ipad... (although I don't really know what to do with that thing?) and trying to make up for lost sleep...
So today I'm inspired by Airplanes!
however, I will not be wearing pumps...
Bon Voyage for me!
So I love this poster and I love this artist! But there's a special reason why I love it today...
I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow!!!
That's right, me and a few girls are packing our bags, kissing our babies heads and getting on a plane for 4 glorious home-free days! I can't wait!!!
But don't worry the blog will still be up and running unless there's a glitch!
So look for some fun posts about a little girl adventure to the sweet bay city coming soon!
And since we're all about Kevin Dart's art today... look at this adorable save the date he made for him and his (now) wife's museum wedding! Adorable.
Art by: Kevin Dart
This is how my Valentines went...
First, I started with this little girl.
sorry for the wardrobe malfunctions...
Then, I got these in the mail!
And then I met this one for dinner.
More on this later...
images by me.
Make a List Monday!
11 things I know about love so far...
1. Love is not easy.
2. Love is a choice.
3. Love requires endurance.
Only the steadfast reap the reward of love.
4. Love is over talked about and under expressed.
5. Love is not a feeling.
6. Media's exploitation of love is not real, nor lasting.
7. Love can find a way where there is not one.
8. Love doesn't judge.
9. You can't fall out of love, you fall out of a feeling.
10. Love is practical and supernatural.
11. Love doesn't always look like you imagine.
Happy Valentines Day!
I have been reading the book, Creative Inc, as I discussed buying in my "Project Book Club" post last week. And to let you know, I tested out my own partnership and I ordered the book through my site, and it was shipped free to my door %30 off the whole price. So that was awesome. You can still order books through the little button the on right.. (Chronicle Books) anytime now for the free shipping and discount. Especially now that I personally know it works)
After reading this book, I realized I have a lot to do with my businesses. Even just as far as legalizing some taxes etc... Being creative for a living doesn't always mean just doing little things you love. There will always be paperwork!
So I decided to begin working on organizing my art studio-office. The heat doesn't circulate well down there so we don't use it as often in the winter. AND BOY DID I FIND A TERRIBLE SURPRISE.
I will spare you of some of the details. But I found out some little mice have been secretly camping out in some obscure places. They are so SNEAKY! I go down there to sew and work on papers and contracts for weddings every once in a while and the room has been pretty clean, but I moved a piece of furniture to sweep.............. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.
My daughter also has not been feeling well and been extremely fussy and clingy. AND of course my husband is on the road so it's just us and Huckabee. (who is no help in this situation since he's been apparently cuddling with the mice) SO... what did I do?
I put on my cape and gloves, got to work, cleaned the whole room while my daugher glee-fully rode on my back.
Just kidding.
I had a breakdown. The little mice and the crying baby just send me into complete melt mode, and when the melt began, everything started to melt. After reading this book- which is so AWESOME for creative business owners, ironically, I just felt like giving it all up. Giving up being a freelancer, giving up my projects, giving up being a wife...
I found this poster, in my web-browsing attempt to numb my mind during Isabel's nap.
So today, what scares me, is not some bold career move, or awesome unobtainable project. I'm not ready to face my fears and rejections... but what I will face is a terrifying mess that someone's got to take care of. And then later, maybe later, I will sit down and work on facing some other things that scare me.
Make someone your Valentine this weekend... sigh... mine is in Colorado.
but at least I have my little Valentine.
Happy Saturday.
Back in my days working for Anthropologie I grew to really love designer Ella Moss. At the time, I only saw her clothes in anthro, but I didn't know you could get them online as well! Until now...
Then I became an affiliate for her company and the store is now a partner with the blog! So for the month of February, offered on the blog, if you spend $200.00 you get free shipping and a free lingerie set sent to your door! (Which would be perfect for a Valentines treat).
I found a few really cute sale items I wanted, and I love their ella baby collection.
I just LOVE those feminine little baby clothes!
This looks fun for the summer... especially if I were pregnant again.
which I'm not
this is my favorite.
If you want the free shipping and free lingerie set enter ELLALOVESU as your promo code.
Enjoy!
Today I'm inspired by,
Things that make me feel a little romantic.
If I could have a Valentines outfit...
Under water romance
Harper's Bazaar Romania, May 2010
Under water PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVER SCHWARZWALD
So I told you I would share some of my Valentine stories... well here's a funny one.
When I lived in a dorm as a college freshmen, I was determined not to be lonely on Valentines Day and spread cheer to the masses.
So what did I do? I baked a lot of double chocolate cupcakes, iced and ready to give to the lonely campus dwellers.
If you've been in a dorm you know space is limited and you don't have a kitchen to yourself. So I began stacking cupcakes on the window seals and desktops of me and my poor roommate's room.
Well Valentines came and went while I unraveled a cupcake or two and ate them on my bunk bed. I got too nervous and thought about how people might think it was weird to give them a cupcake when I didn't know them... so they sat on the window seals until they were hardened and eventually thrown away!
Can you believe that! My timidity caused such a waste, and how nice is it to get a cupcake from a stranger (in the right circumstances).
So this year, don't be afraid, Give a cupcake!
Some other beautiful treats to inspire the baker in you!
Enjoy!
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